Norwegian train operator Vy has declared the current railway situation 'unsustainable' in a formal complaint to infrastructure manager Bane Nor. The conflict centers on major delays and overcrowded trains affecting commuters across Eastern Norway despite promises of improved service with the new Drammen station opening.
Data shows delay times actually increased after the station's inauguration. Vy director Erik Røhne detailed the problems in a letter copied to the Railway Directorate and Ministry of Transport. He stated the issues stem largely from Bane Nor's activities at Sundland, Eastern Norway's largest train workshop currently undergoing significant upgrades.
The workshop expansion includes extending one hall by 116 meters to accommodate new trains expected in about eighteen months. This construction has reduced maintenance capacity, creating logistical challenges. Many trains now operate with fewer carriages than normal, leading to severe overcrowding.
Passengers experienced repeated incidents this summer where people were left on platforms because trains were completely full. There have even been reports of passengers fainting due to overcrowded conditions. Vy claims they cannot run double train sets as often as needed because of workshop backlogs.
We have proposed measures to improve the situation, but Bane Nor maintains most cannot be implemented, Røhne stated in comments to media. Bane Nor responded that they remain in dialogue with Vy to find good solutions and aim to succeed together.
The railway dispute represents broader systemic issues within Norwegian rail transport. Parliament representative Ingrid Fiskaa described the railway as chaotic and lacking proper management. She blamed systemic failures and maintenance deficiencies.
As a regular commuter for four years, I experienced stable and precise service previously, Fiskaa noted. Now trains are canceled more often than they run. She frequently uses the Sørland Line from Stavanger, which she says is deteriorating.
Private operator Go-Ahead also voiced concerns about train conditions. The company recently hired a materials director from the Airport Express Train who described the state-owned train fleet as the worst condition he had ever seen after twenty-five years of government management.
The government acknowledges historical underinvestment. State Secretary Cecilie Knibe Kroglund said the administration spends billions operating, renewing and maintaining railways. Much of today's railway is old and hasn't been properly maintained, she explained. Our strategy focuses on better care of existing infrastructure, which will yield results.
This railway conflict highlights Norway's challenge in modernizing aging transport infrastructure while maintaining daily operations. Commuters face immediate discomfort while long-term solutions remain under discussion between operators, infrastructure managers and government authorities.